Stack Em Up DraftKings Week 16 2018

By Armando Marsal

If you look at most winning lineups at the end of each slate, many if not most of them will have a stack. For those who are not familiar with what stacking means, let’s define what we are calling a stack. Stacking is pairing multiple players from one team. In this instance I will be referring to a quarterback and one of his receivers, tight ends, or running backs. When you pair up a quarterback with one of his pass catchers, you are increasing upside. Generally you want to pair up a signal caller with his primary receiver, but at times, you can change that approach depending on matchups, potential game script, or any other variable that can have an impact on your decision making. Each week I’ll go over some of my favorite stacks and provide you with multiple ways to approach the stack, as well as give you my favorite option. That said, let’s jump right into it and go over my top stacks on the main slate this week.

Houston Texans

Game Over/Under: 46
Team Implied Points: 22.25
Deshaun Watson $6,600 draws a very nice matchup against the Eagles defense that ranks 20th in DVOA against the pass. This unit is yielding 298 passing yards and over 20 DKFP per game to opposing signal callers. The Texans have been a run first team this season, but I expect them to lean a bit more on Watson’s arm this weekend, as Philadelphia’s secondary is banged up and this defense funnels to the pass. Granted they have been more generous to opposing backs since the bye, but I think a lot of that has to do with the quality of running backs that they have faced off against. Needless to say, it is best to attack this defense through the air. Even though Houston is a run first team, Watson has still had some big game. This should be a favorable game environment for Watson and he could go overlooked, making him a very enticing tournament quarterback.

DeAndre Hopkins $8,600 is listed as questionable for this game, but is expected to give it a go. If he does play, he is in a great spot against a weak Eagles secondary. This unit is yielding the second most DKFP per game to opposing wide outs. They have allowed 210 receptions (most in the NFL), 2,746 receiving yards (most in the NFL), and 15 touchdowns to the position. Rasul Douglas, who grades out average at best on Pro Football Focus is expected to cover Hopkins, a matchup that he has a 40 percent advantage rating in (highest of any receiver this week). Hopkins has been a target monster for most of the season, and now has double-digit targets in three consecutive games. We saw the upside he offers last week, as he caught 10 balls for 170 yards and two touchdowns. I expect Hopkins to take full advantage of this favorable matchup and come out with another nice performance.

Demaryius Thomas $4,700 has seen 14 targets in the last two games and although he has not done much with them, it is good to see this type of volume. He draws a great matchup this week against the Eagles who have been very generous to opposing receivers as I mentioned above. His one-on-one matchup against De'Vante Bausby is phenomenal, as Bausby ranks well below average on Pro Football Focus and Thomas has a 20 percent advantage rating. Thomas no longer offers the upside he once did and is past his prime, but he still displayed his ability for nice performances and multi touchdown games. At this price, that would be a great investment and if you are trying to create a less owned Texans stack, he would be the way to go

Secondary Options: There are no other player I am considering in a Texans stack this weekend.

My favorite option: Watson/Hopkins

New Orleans Saints

Game Over/Under: 53
Team Implied Points: 29.75
Drew Brees $6,500 has really struggled the last three weeks, but all of those games were on the road where he tends to play worse. The good news this week is that he is back in the dome. He faces off against the Steelers defense that ranks 21st in DVOA against the pass. This unit has done a better job at limiting the damage in yardage since their bye week, but they have still multi passing touchdown games in five of their eight games. Brees is averaging 320 passing yards per game at home this season and has thrown 20 of his 31 touchdowns in New Orleans, despite playing two fewer games in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. With a win this week and some other factors, the Saints could lock in a first round bye and potentially home field advantage throughout the post season, so I expect Brees to come out guns blazing in a game with that has plenty of playoff implications.

Just like Brees, Michael Thomas $8,100 has struggled in recent weeks. This is not surprising as he is Brees’ top target and they have both been off recently. Like I mentioned above, it is likely due to being on the road, because Thomas has also played better when at home. In fact, in two fewer games in New Orleans, Thomas has scored five of his eight touchdowns and is averaging 114 receiving yards per game, compared to the 72 yards per game on the road. The matchup against Joe Haden is not all that great as Haden grades out above average on Pro Football Focus, but Thomas still has a 15 percent advantage rating. The volume will be there for Thomas and his ceiling is undeniably high, making him an enticing option, even in an average matchup.

Alvin Kamara $7,400 is not putting up the numbers he was at the start of the season when Mark Ingram was out, but Kamara remains a big part of the passing game for this offense. He has 26 targets in his last three games and has caught 20 passes. This is not a favorable matchup for him, as the Steelers have been solid against opposing backs, but they have allowed four receiving touchdowns to the position, which is tied for third most. The game environment should be a good one for Kamara and his role in the passing game really makes him a strong option in a Saints stack. I am also digging this price for him, as we know the ceiling he brings to the table.

Secondary Options: Tre’Quan Smith has been hit or miss this season, with way more misses. That said, he has played better at home, scoring all four of his touchdowns in New Orleans and topping 29 DKFP in two of his five home games. He offers plenty of upside, but also comes with great risk. The volume is not consistent, which is why I cannot make him a primary play, but in tournaments I do not mind the idea of going with Smith as a unique way to create a Saints stack this week.

My favorite option: Brees/Thomas

Additional Notes

The Steelers are an intriguing options as a stack, as this should be a great game environment. Pairing up Ben Roethlisberger